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Jolie Rouge · 10-07-2004, 12:31 PM

http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/

Stem Cell Basics

Stem cells have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body. Serving as a sort of repair system for the body, they can theoretically divide without limit to replenish other cells as long as the person or animal is still alive. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential to either remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a muscle cell, a red blood cell, or a brain cell.

This document covers basic information about stem cells. For a more detailed discussion, see Stem Cells: Scientific Progress and Future Research Directions. Or you can check our Frequently Asked Questions page for quick answers to specific queries.

Throughout Stem Cell Basics, the first reference to a Glossary term on a page appears in bold, underlined maroon type. Clicking on the term will open its definition from the Glossary page in a new window.

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AAAS/ICS REPORT ON STEM CELL RESEARCH

In the face of extraordinary advances in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of human diseases, devastating illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and diseases of the nervous system, such as Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease, continue to deprive people of health, independence, and well-being. Research in human developmental biology has led to the discovery of human stem cells (precursor cells that can give rise to multiple tissue types), including embryonic stem (ES) cells, embryonic germ (EG) cells, fetal stem cells, and adult stem cells. Recently, techniques have been developed for the in vitro culture of stem cells, providing unprecedented opportunities for studying and understanding human embryology. As a result, scientists can now carry out experiments aimed at determining the mechanisms underlying the conversion of a single, undifferentiated cell, the fertilized egg, into the different cells comprising the organs and tissues of the human body. Although it is impossible to predict the outcomes, scientists and the public will gain immense new knowledge in the biology of human development that will likely hold remarkable potential for therapies and cures.

Derivation of ES cells from early human embryos, and EG and fetal stem cells from aborted, fetal tissues raise ethical, legal, religious, and policy questions. Further, the potential uses of stem cells for generating human tissues and, perhaps, organs, is a subject of ongoing public debate.

Taking all the above matters into account, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Institute for Civil Society decided to undertake a study in order to propose recommendations for conducting stem cell research. To do so, we assembled a working group with broad expertise and diverse views to advise us and to assist with preparing a report. This study and the recommendations flowing from it were informed by the values of the members of this advisory group, as well as reports and recommendations of other groups in the United States and elsewhere that have reflected on the issues involved. These values include belief in the promotion of patient welfare and the social good, scientific freedom and responsibility, self-determination, encouragement of civic discourse, public accountability of scientists and research institutions, and respect for diverse religious, philosophical, and secular belief systems.

AAAS and ICS recognize that there are varied social, political, ethical, and religious viewpoints to be considered in discussions about the scientific use of tissue from human embryos and fetuses. Scientists do not presume to know all the answers and ramifications of basic research in human stem cells. Therefore, it is important to promote continued dialogue among all segments of society concerning the implications of stem cell research.

AAAS and ICS are committed to fostering an ongoing educational process that informs such public dialogue. As part of this effort, we convened a public meeting in Washington, DC on August 25, 1999, at which time a summary of our findings was publicly presented and discussed.

The complete report of the AAAS/ICS study is available here in PDF format.

www.aaas.org/spp/sfrl/projects/stem/main.htm

{{ Stem Cell Main Page
AAAS/ICS Stem Cell Report
Findings and Recommendations of the AAAS/ICS Report
AAAS/ICS Public Forum Agenda
NBAC Report
Program in Scientific Freedom, Responsibility & Law Main Page
Dialogue on Science, Ethics and Religion Program
For additional information on Stem Cells, please check the AAAS Center for Science, Technology&Congress site.
****

10-07-2004, 12:31 PM	#12 (permalink)
Jolie Rouge C & P Queen Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Lan astaslem ! Posts: 38,144 iTrader: (2) Thanks: 1,465 Thanked 3,536 Times in 1,949 Posts	Re: Setting the Record Straight: Stem Cell Research http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/ Stem Cell Basics Stem cells have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body. Serving as a sort of repair system for the body, they can theoretically divide without limit to replenish other cells as long as the person or animal is still alive. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential to either remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a muscle cell, a red blood cell, or a brain cell. This document covers basic information about stem cells. For a more detailed discussion, see Stem Cells: Scientific Progress and Future Research Directions. Or you can check our Frequently Asked Questions page for quick answers to specific queries. Throughout Stem Cell Basics, the first reference to a Glossary term on a page appears in bold, underlined maroon type. Clicking on the term will open its definition from the Glossary page in a new window. ---------- AAAS/ICS REPORT ON STEM CELL RESEARCH In the face of extraordinary advances in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of human diseases, devastating illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and diseases of the nervous system, such as Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease, continue to deprive people of health, independence, and well-being. Research in human developmental biology has led to the discovery of human stem cells (precursor cells that can give rise to multiple tissue types), including embryonic stem (ES) cells, embryonic germ (EG) cells, fetal stem cells, and adult stem cells. Recently, techniques have been developed for the in vitro culture of stem cells, providing unprecedented opportunities for studying and understanding human embryology. As a result, scientists can now carry out experiments aimed at determining the mechanisms underlying the conversion of a single, undifferentiated cell, the fertilized egg, into the different cells comprising the organs and tissues of the human body. Although it is impossible to predict the outcomes, scientists and the public will gain immense new knowledge in the biology of human development that will likely hold remarkable potential for therapies and cures. Derivation of ES cells from early human embryos, and EG and fetal stem cells from aborted, fetal tissues raise ethical, legal, religious, and policy questions. Further, the potential uses of stem cells for generating human tissues and, perhaps, organs, is a subject of ongoing public debate. Taking all the above matters into account, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Institute for Civil Society decided to undertake a study in order to propose recommendations for conducting stem cell research. To do so, we assembled a working group with broad expertise and diverse views to advise us and to assist with preparing a report. This study and the recommendations flowing from it were informed by the values of the members of this advisory group, as well as reports and recommendations of other groups in the United States and elsewhere that have reflected on the issues involved. These values include belief in the promotion of patient welfare and the social good, scientific freedom and responsibility, self-determination, encouragement of civic discourse, public accountability of scientists and research institutions, and respect for diverse religious, philosophical, and secular belief systems. AAAS and ICS recognize that there are varied social, political, ethical, and religious viewpoints to be considered in discussions about the scientific use of tissue from human embryos and fetuses. Scientists do not presume to know all the answers and ramifications of basic research in human stem cells. Therefore, it is important to promote continued dialogue among all segments of society concerning the implications of stem cell research. AAAS and ICS are committed to fostering an ongoing educational process that informs such public dialogue. As part of this effort, we convened a public meeting in Washington, DC on August 25, 1999, at which time a summary of our findings was publicly presented and discussed. The complete report of the AAAS/ICS study is available here in PDF format. www.aaas.org/spp/sfrl/projects/stem/main.htm {{ Stem Cell Main Page AAAS/ICS Stem Cell Report Findings and Recommendations of the AAAS/ICS Report AAAS/ICS Public Forum Agenda NBAC Report Program in Scientific Freedom, Responsibility & Law Main Page Dialogue on Science, Ethics and Religion Program For additional information on Stem Cells, please check the AAAS Center for Science, Technology&Congress site. ** __________________ Laissez les bon temps rouler!** Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car. a 4 day work week & sex slaves ~ I say Tyt for PRESIDENT!** Not to be taken internally, literally or seriously ....Suki ebaynni IS THAT BETTER ? Last edited by Jolie Rouge; 10-07-2004 at 12:44 PM.